It is very likely that every time you take your dog for a walk, he ends up venturing and coming back dirty, with the hair full of leaves or mud, that is, when he does not come back wet either! And it’s tough for your best friend to have fun without getting a little dirty. That is why many owners ask themselves whether or not it is worth buying a dog shampoo.
Four-legged companions love to go out to enjoy nature and interact with other pets and humans. The best thing is that you allow him to do this as safely as possible, and, for that, it is essential to take care of your dog’s hair. Today we are going to talk about everything you need to know about dog shampoo.
The most important
- Dog shampoo is essential because they keep your pet’s coat clean. Your dog is likely to get dirty frequently. For this reason, and to avoid subsequent problems, in addition to the foul smell, it is convenient to wash it once a month and brush it every day, depending on the amount of hair it has.
- The pH of dogs’ skin is different from ours, so never use human shampoo on it. This can harm you and cause many problems in the short and long term.
- It is also necessary to consider certain events, for example, if your dog’s hair is falling out, if he is changing fur or if he has fleas. In this case, in addition to the shampoo’s purchase, you must take it to the vet so that a professional can guide you on how to proceed.
Ranking: The best dog shampoo options on the market
In this section, you will find a list of the best dog shampoos on the market. Also, we bring you an analysis and a summary of each one and their main characteristics. This will make your life easier when you have to buy one of these products for your pet.
1 st- Shampoo for a floral dog of dark fur
Part of the Bio Florais Pet Cosmetics Line, this shampoo is indicated for dogs suffering from anxiety. It has in its composition thermal water and mineral salts and selenium. It has a fragrance of fruits that promise to leave your pet fragrant for a long time.
2 ° – Shampoo for a floral dog with licking and self-mutilation
This kit from the Bio Florais brand is indicated for dogs showing atypical behaviors, such as licking and self-mutilation, typical of an unstable emotional state. The floral was developed to soften these emotions, bringing a sense of well-being to the dog. On the other hand, the shampoo promises to make it very fragrant, with an aroma of Japanese melon, red apple, peony flower, and vanilla.
3rd – Floral shampoo and conditioner kit suitable for conflict situations
Bio Floris has a series of pet products in the most diverse situations. This kit is indicated for the puppy going through a conflict situation, such as travel, change of environment, and introducing a new animal or child in the house. Its composition seeks to encourage the dog to feel safe and calm, easing possible tensions. It has notes of kiwi and lychee.
4 ° – Shampoo for neutral dog Seven Dogs
Ideal for those who have more than one dog or pet that needs more frequent baths, the Seven Dogs neutral shampoo with Aloe Vera extract comes in a five-liter container and is highlighted for its excellent cost-benefit. If your dog has long hair, also get the Seven Dogs Conditioner and Detangler. The brand also offers 500ml bottles.
Shopping Guide: What You Should Know About Dog Shampoo
It is essential that, before using a shampoo on your pet, you are informed about what you need: ingredients, type of hair, shedding, allergies, atopic dermatitis, among others. Therefore, we will answer the most frequently asked questions (which you certainly should have) when purchasing a shampoo for dogs.
What is dog shampoo, and what are its advantages?
It is a liquid soap specifically made for our four-legged friends. It is at least curious that many people believe, although less and less, that to bathe a dog, you can use a shampoo for humans. It is also not uncommon to find vendors who try to convince us that there is a shampoo for breeds and coatings. This turns out to be a colossal mistake, as your dog can get sick since the skin of humans and dogs have a different pH. In addition to cleaning your pet’s fur well and protecting it from unwanted elements, this product provides a silky hair and a delightful smell, making the time you spend with your pet more enjoyable.
Below, we have compiled a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of dog shampoos.Benefits
- Keeps hair clean
- Specific for atopic skins
- Wide variety of scents to choose from
- Protects your pet from insects and parasites
- The hydrolipidic layer (which protects the hair) is restored 24 hours after bathing
Disadvantages
- You can remove a lot of natural oil from the hair with each bath
- It is necessary to pay attention to the needs of your pet, because choosing the wrong product can cause problems
What are the differences between dog and human shampoo?
There are several myths and legends about whether the shampoo we use at home can be used on our dog. We at Pets Alegres can say that not, mainly for two reasons: the type of composition (ingredients, thickness or concentration) and the degree of acidity of the skin (the tissue between the dermis and the epidermis that all mammals have). Let us look at the following two main differences that we can see at a glance.
- Composition. It is one of the main differences between these two types of shampoos since dogs’ coat and skin require a greater concentration of the product and can be rinsed with water to a certain extent. And this is because the dog’s skin is usually more exposed than ours to all kinds of factors: climate, dirt, insects, among others.
- pH. The pH is the factor that indicates the level of acidity of the skin. While the acidity of human skin is 5.5, dogs generally vary, depending on the breed, between 7 and 7.5. As you can see, prolonged use of human shampoo on your pet can result in long-term injuries.
We hope we have convinced you to never use the shampoo you use in your pet’s bath. We’ve explained the two main reasons, but we still have more information to share with you. If you’re interested, read on and find out more useful tips about dog shampoo.
What types of dog shampoo are on the market?
When we go to buy a special shampoo for our pet’s coat, we can be impressed by the wide variety of products and different specific characteristics that exist on the market today.
With that in mind, we have created a classification to help you decide which type of shampoo is best for your dog, based on three types of needs:
| Coat | Special needs (atopic skin, allergies or parasites) |
|---|---|
| Short hair | Antiparasitic |
| For the long | Hypoallergenic |
| White fur | Soothing |
At what age can you use dog shampoo?
We understand that you want to use dog shampoo on your pet as soon as possible, mainly because puppies are usually quite adventurous. However, be careful: it is recommended that shampoo happens when the puppy is more than three months old, as he is less likely to get sick with the temperature changes experienced during a bath. It is also not worth using any shampoo, as your dog needs a product suitable for skin and delicate hair. Therefore, if you have a tiny puppy, read the shampoos labels carefully when making your purchase.
Remember to pay attention to the type of hair and the characteristics of your pet. During this process, every detail makes a difference.
Does hair influence the purchase of shampoo for dogs?
For sure. The experience of having a shorthaired animal is very different from having a longhaired animal. Not to mention that the problems that usually appear are also quite different. For this reason, when your dog has a dense and long coat, you should brush it every day, which will make it less likely to get dirty. What about aesthetics? The hair knots, in addition to causing long-term skin problems, are unpleasant. With a good shampoo for your dog, he will parade around the neighborhood with soft, shiny, and silky hair. This can indeed consume a lot of your time, but for the welfare of your pet and yours, it is worth the investment!
My pet has fleas, what kind of shampoo does he need?
It is typical for your dog to bring home any unwanted insects, mostly if he usually plays on lawns or in the neighborhood. In addition to fleas, it is not uncommon for them to appear with ticks and worms. It is not always easy to prevent this from happening, as walking is part of the dog routine; however, there are some things you can do about it.
How to proceed if your four-legged friend has contracted fleas? First, you should use latex gloves to search for intruders on your body and find out where they are. Once you find them, make sure there are more. But it is useless to be desperate or to regret: it is necessary to act as quickly as possible.
After going to the vet and purchasing an antiparasitic medication, it is highly recommended to obtain a flea shampoo that also serves as a repellent (if the infestation is not very large). That way, in addition to preventing the appearance of new fleas and ticks, you will be eliminating those that are already in your dog’s coat.
Once your dog is home, bathe him in warm water with two or three handfuls of this shampoo. Dry the animal and keep it at home for a few days. We recommend that you put your toys, blankets, and beds in the washing machine, with hot water, and clean the house well.
What dog shampoo do I need if my pet has scratches?
- In this case, you must analyze this scratch’s origin, as it can motivate a veterinary consultation. Pay special attention if this scratch doesn’t heal quickly, if you start to see blood, or if your pet is complaining for no apparent reason. One or several reasons are usually identified: Delicate skin: Atopic, sensitive, prone to irritation, or dry.
- Allergies: To other shampoos or substances, insect bites.
- Skin infections: Scabies or pyoderma, among others.
In any case, it is highly recommended that you take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible in case of an aggressive and lasting scratch. Only a professional can guide you and precisely indicate your pet needs at all times of its life.
How to properly use dog shampoo?
It’s time to bathe your pet. You have the bottle of shampoo in your hand, and you managed to find a way for it not to escape … what now? Well, first, adjust the water temperature, making sure it is warm so that your dog is comfortable and calm. The idea is that he relaxes and doesn’t think about ways to escape. After the first pass with the water, you should soap it with the first handful of shampoo. Try to put a moderate amount of the product, neither too much nor too little. Also, if you overdo the amount, shampoo residues may remain on your pet’s fur, increasing the chances of itching after a shower.
The most recommended is to massage the animal’s hair so that the shampoo reaches the entire body’s skin. Please pay special attention to the ears and eyes, as they are delicate, and your dog will be very uncomfortable during the process. Anyway, the challenge here will be to keep you still throughout the process; something we know is quite tricky!
Finally, rinse it with plenty of water, and you can apply a second handful of shampoo for dogs, depending on your pet’s needs (for short or long hair).
It is an excellent time to strengthen ties with the dog, as he will surely love the caresses and attention he will receive during the bath. Many dogs go crazy during these unique moments.
Purchasing Criteria
You got here. This means that you are very interested in purchasing a quality shampoo for your dog. Because it is a delicate product that affects your pet’s health, it is essential to take some criteria into account when making your purchase.
We hope you understand that buying the first shampoo that appears online is never a good idea. Below, check out the fundamental criteria:
- Dog Lifestyle
- Shampoo quality
- Composition
- Smell
- Frequency of use
Dog Lifestyle
Dogs jump, run, lie on the floor, lick … It may seem like they love dirt, but no: they want to make their owners happy. For this reason, no one with a good heart can deprive your pet of those unforgettable walks. Even if they are short-lived, they will always thank you in the way they know best.
The shampoo you will purchase must be manufactured specifically for your dog’s lifestyle and characteristics. A dog that tends to lie down for a long time or is very quiet does not need the same shampoo as one that does not stop. So think hard and, if in doubt, ask for guidance from a trusted veterinarian.
Shampoo quality
Choosing a dog shampoo of the best quality is a super important factor. After all, if you use this criterion for yourself, why not apply it to your four-legged companion? It is a widespread mistake to think that dogs are made of iron or have no feelings.
Checking the shampoo quality involves reading its label (ingredients, method of application, frequency of use) and not just knowing what the brand is. We also recommend that you look for reviews, whether from professionals or other users. Don’t be afraid to ask; after all, no one was born knowing.
Shampoo composition
Does your dog have skin problems? In this case, avoid shampoos composed of elements such as dyes, parabens, deodorants, salt, or phosphates. These components do nothing but seriously damage the health of your pet’s skin, causing many problems that, if not treated soon, can turn into a real headache.
Instead, choose shampoos that include natural components, such as Aloe Vera, oats, glycerin, honey, soy, or jojoba. That way, your pet’s skin and hair will receive nutrients and be away from itching and infections caused by scratches (with all its complications).
For example, one of the properties of Aloe Vera is its antibacterial composition, which protects your dog’s skin, in addition to offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Jojoba is a plant whose oil revitalizes the coat, repairing and regenerating the skin. Oats have powerful healing properties.
Smell
Not all dogs smell the same. Some tend to maintain a softer smell, while others, even when clean, give off a particular aroma. For this reason, it is essential to choose a good shampoo for dogs that meets these needs. You already know that not all dogs are the same, as is the case with people.
In the market, there are many options. Still, mainly shampoos with fruit extracts (watermelon, strawberry, peach, banana, among others) are widely used since they usually stay longer in the coat and skin of your animal. Also, this type of product makes it even more pleasant to be close to your pet.
Frequency of use
Analyze how often you need to bathe your pet. This depends on age (a puppy does not have the same needs as an adult), skin type, amount of hair, size, or breed, among other criteria. It is also essential to analyze whether you are taking your pet for a walk several times a day, whether very active or more peaceful.
Some dogs can stay a long time without going through the water (usually, it is worth brushing them daily), keeping them clean for 3 to 6 months without problems. However, others need a bath at least once a month.
resume
The canine universe involves many types of care. If you have adopted your puppy and thought it would only be necessary to feed and take him for a walk, we have to tell you that this is just the tip of the iceberg! As you can see, things that seem as commonplace as dog shampoo are decisive in pets’ daily lives.
We are delighted to offer you an analysis of the best products on the market today. We always try to stay on top of the latest news from the world of pets. We sincerely appreciate the time you have spent reading our article. Leave a comment below or share the text on social media.
